Unit Pricing 4/16/12

Unfortunately, unit pricing isn’t universal. Only a handful of states require it:Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

And Consumer Reports finds that even where unit prices are required, the labels canvary radically. That can make it difficult to compare prices.Consumer Reports sent shoppers across the country to assess unit-pricing labels. Theyfound plenty of problems. The labels can be a jumble of numbers. And in some cases,quantities couldn’t be easily compared. For example, tuna was priced by the ounce forone can and by the pound for another.Consumer Reports is calling for a law that requires a universal standardized unit-pricinglabel.

Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances,cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports’ website.Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.